Safety

The health and safety of our players is a primary concern of RYSA. When conditions exist that will affect the well being of the athletes, action will be taken to minimize the risk of injury. RYSA offers the following guidelines and references.

ACL Injury. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is a devastating knee injury that often results from high impact sporting activities. Recent studies indicate that an estimated 250,000 ACL injuries occur annually in the United States with approximately 175,000 resulting in reconstructions. Even though the ability to return to sports after reconstruction is between 80 and 95 percent, the long-term effects of an ACL injury can severely impact the patient’s quality of life.

Hot weather: RYSA will abide by the guidelines set by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) for Heat Index. Infomation from KHSAA

Playing sports during extremely hot weather increases the risk for players to experience heat cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke. These are the most preventable type of sports injuries. Players should always be hydrated before, during and after every match. During a match where the Heat Index, see attachment, exceeds 90, the game officials should provide extra breaks in the play for players to re-hydrate. Coaches should be aware of the symptoms of heat stress among the players and provide shade for the players when they are not on the field.

Prevention:

You must “feed the machine”. Proper eating is important to maintain your energer level for practices and games.

Hydrate well in advance of game day.

Players should drink at least 64oz (1/2 gal) of water per day, more (up to 1 gal) if in active practices prior to games, for at least 2-3 days before games. It may take 72 – 96 hours to build up your hydration level. Start today and maintain.

Bring fluids to the game. Drink fluids just before, during and after the game.

Have wet towels in a cooler for neck wraps

Use shade or a shade tent whenever not on the field

Wear sunscreen. A Sports Sunscreen has better retention and is less likely to lose effectiveness.

Tacking action: Awareness: Coaches and game officials should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke caused by physical activity in hot weather. Players showing signs of heat exhaustion should be substituted out, re-hydrated and allowed to cool off in the shade before returning to the game. Players showing signs of heat stroke should receive immediate medical attention and not return to the game as other physical problems cause heat stroke.

Cold weather: Players are more susceptible to injuries during cold weather, particularly from pulled or torn muscles. Players should wear appropriate clothing to aid body heat retention yet afford adequate movement without creating a safety hazard. Warming up before entering the game is critical. Shortening games to reduce exposure time may be a consideration.

Prevention:

Wearing long underwear or protective clothing is allowed so long as it is tight fitting and does not create a dangerous condition for other players in the opinion of the game officials.

Hats are the most effective at retaining body heat. A skull cap or knit watch cap is generally acceptable.

Hats with a stiff brim are not acceptable. An ear warmer style head band or a head protection like a “Full 90″ might be a good alternative to retain body temperature.

When leaving the field, it is important to retain the body heat generated while on the field. Put on a wind breaker and other warm layers immediately. Retain the body heat that was generated on the field. Warm up again to loosen muscles before returning to play. Cold muscles strain more easily.

Taking action: Dress warmly when off the field. Take extra time to warm up and keep muscles flexible during play. Take breaks as needed to warm up by wearing extra clothing when the cold and the wind reduce the body temperature. Drink fluids often, because players sweat from the exercise, even in the cold. Staying hydrated helps maintain the quantity of blood needed to warm exposed body parts and extremities.